With the BPL just a day away, it’s the perfect time to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the teams. However, the final lineups, especially the foreign players, are still uncertain. There could be major changes in the foreign player roster, and not all listed players may participate in every match. Some new international players may join teams during the tournament, potentially shifting the balance of power. Even among Bangladeshi players, some changes could still occur. For now, here’s an analysis based on the provisional squads.
Dhaka Capitals
- Strengths
Dhaka’s strength lies in their pace bowling unit. Mustafizur Rahman leads the attack, supported by Mukidul Islam, Mushfik Hasan, and Abu Jayed. Mukidul is in terrific form, earning the Player of the Match title in the NCL T20 final with 3 wickets. Mushfik is also a proven performer in domestic cricket. Additionally, the pace department features Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani and Mir Hamza. - Weaknesses
While the pace department looks strong, the spin department lacks big names. On spin-friendly pitches, who will take control during the middle overs? In batting, despite the presence of Tanzid Hasan and Liton Das, the lineup doesn’t seem particularly robust. Much will depend on Habibur Rahman, who impressed with a 160+ strike rate in the NCL. Sabbir Rahman and Shahadat Hossain also need to step up. Among the foreigners, experienced players like Thisara Perera and Johnson Charles will be under the spotlight. - Player to Watch: Habibur Rahman
Habibur smashed 17 sixes in the NCL, the second-highest in the tournament. His strike rate of 160.86 was the highest among players who scored at least 150 runs. Known as “Sohan,” he had a disappointing BPL last season with Khulna, scoring only 105 runs in 11 matches. This season offers him a chance to turn things around. - Squad
Captain: Not announced
Local Players: Mustafizur Rahman, Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Munim Shahriar, Sabbir Rahman, Shahadat Hossain, Mukidul Islam, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed, Rahmatullah Ali, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Asif Hasan, Habibur Rahman
Foreign Players: Thisara Perera, Johnson Charles, Chaturanga de Silva, Steven Eskinazi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Zahoor Khan, Riaz Hasan, Ameer Hamza, Farmanullah Safi, JP Kotze, Shubham Subhashish Ranjan
Chittagong Kings
- Strengths
Finding strengths in Chittagong’s squad is challenging. Much will depend on the performances of national team players like finisher Shamim Hossain, pacer Shariful Islam, spinner Aliss Al Islam, and Parvez Hossain. - Weaknesses
Chittagong suffers from a shortage of quality all-rounders. It’s almost certain that Shakib Al Hasan won’t participate in this BPL. Concerns also loom over the availability of Moeen Ali and Angelo Mathews, two key all-rounders. - Player to Watch: Maruf Mridha
The left-arm pacer from the U-19 team picked up 5 wickets in 4 matches in the NCL. He also impressed in the Asia Cup, taking 5 wickets in 3 matches while helping Bangladesh beat India to win the title. - Squad
Captain: Not announced
Local Players: Shakib Al Hasan, Shariful Islam, Shamim Hossain, Parvez Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Aliss Al Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Naim Islam, Maruf Mridha, Rahatul Ferdous, Sheikh Parvez, Marshall Ayub
Foreign Players: Moeen Ali, Usman Khan, Haider Ali, Angelo Mathews, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Binura Fernando, Graham Clark, Thomas O’Connell
Durbar Rajshahi
- Strengths
Rajshahi’s strength lies in the form of Akbar Ali and Zeeshan Alam. The team also boasts foreign players like Mohammad Haris and Ryan Burl. While they may not be big names, they are capable of delivering on their day. Dependable local players like Taskin Ahmed and Enamul Haque Bijoy add depth to the team. - Weaknesses
Apart from Taskin and Hasan Murad, the bowling lineup lacks standout performers. Similarly, the batting lineup doesn’t have much depth. - Player to Watch: Zeeshan Alam
The 20-year-old Zeeshan hit 22 sixes in just 7 matches during the NCL. He made headlines by smashing 7 sixes in 8 balls and scoring a 52-ball century in the opening match. Representing Bangladesh U-19, he scored 281 runs in the tournament at a stunning strike rate of 158.75. - Squad
Captain: Not announced
Local Players: Taskin Ahmed, Enamul Haque (Bijoy), Zeeshan Alam, Akbar Ali, Sanjamul Islam, Yasir Ali, Sabbir Hossain, Hasan Murad, Shafiul Islam, Mohr Sheikh, Mehrab Hossain, Mizanur Rahman
Foreign Players: Mohammad Haris, Arafat Minhaz, Ryan Burl, Saad Nasim, Lahiru Samarakoon, Salman Mirza
